Santa Rosa County District Cracking Down on Illegal School Bus Passing
In an effort to prioritize the safety of its students, the school district in Santa Rosa County, Florida, is taking action against drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The district has implemented an all-in-one stop arm violation system, which includes monitoring cameras to aid in enforcement and ensure the welfare of children during their daily commute to and from school.
According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, there are approximately 95,000 stop arm violations reported in a single day across the nation, resulting in a staggering 17 million violations in a school year. With these alarming statistics in mind, the Santa Rosa district has decided to adopt the Child Safety Program by AngelTrax.
The Child Safety Program by AngelTrax employs state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology to detect vehicles passing school buses while their stop arms are extended. Whenever a vehicle overtakes a bus in this manner, the system automatically records the incident by capturing video footage. This video is then sent to a data center where trained technicians meticulously review it. If the incident fulfills the requirements for a violation as per Florida code, it is subsequently forwarded to an authorized law enforcement agent for confirmation. Once confirmed, a citation is promptly issued to the registered owner of the vehicle via mail.
It is essential to note that it is illegal to overtake a school bus while students are in the process of loading or unloading. However, the law alone does not effectively deter many drivers from breaking this rule, thereby endangering the lives of students. AngelTrax President and CEO Richie Howard emphasize that the issuance of citations is the only proven method to alter driver behavior.
To raise awareness about the Child Safety Program, the Santa Rosa County District Schools have initiated a public campaign, during which warnings will be issued prior to the program’s official launch on March 4th. Following this launch, citations can be expected within two weeks of each violation.
As part of this initiative, drivers caught passing a stopped school bus will face a fine of $225 for each offense. The program aims to promote a safer environment for students by deterring reckless drivers from putting innocent lives at risk.
The Santa Rosa County District Schools and AngelTrax are working in collaboration with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to enforce the Child Safety Program effectively. By employing camera enforcement, these organizations are striving to change driver behavior and ultimately create a community that prioritizes the safety of its students.
With these measures in place, Santa Rosa County hopes to significantly reduce the number of illegal passings and protect its young passengers from potential harm. Through increased awareness and strict enforcement, the district aims to send a clear message that the safety of students is paramount and that any violation will be met with appropriate consequences.
By cracking down on those who show disregard for school bus stop arms, Santa Rosa County’s school district is taking a proactive stance in safeguarding its students and ensuring their well-being as they travel to and from school each day.
